What are cascading reels?
Cascading reels (also called tumbling reels, avalanche reels, or rolling reels depending on the developer) is a mechanic where winning symbols disappear from the reels after a win, and new symbols fall in from above to fill the gaps. This can create a chain of consecutive wins from a single spin.
How the chain reaction works
After a winning combination, the winning symbols vanish. The remaining symbols shift down and new symbols appear at the top. If the new arrangement creates another win, those symbols also disappear, and the process repeats until no new winning combinations form. Each cascade continues without using another bet.
Multipliers tied to cascades
Many games pair cascading reels with increasing multipliers. The first winning cascade might pay at 1x, the second at 2x, the third at 3x, and so on. In combination with a free spins round where cascades happen frequently, this mechanic is capable of generating very large wins from a single bonus activation. It’s a core mechanic in slots like Gonzo’s Quest, Sweet Bonanza, and many Megaways titles.